Grok Blow from US Social Security to a pensioner: she can't believe it, what a huge amount of money
Shock in the United States over a case that puts the spotlight on Social Security: They are demanding that she return nearly $70,000
Ruth Podmanik, a 65-year-old widow living in Sheffield Lake, Ohio, is facing a distressing situation. All this after receiving a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the United States.
The agency is demanding the return of $69,087.50 for overpayments related to benefits her late husband, Ed, received before passing away in 2012 due to leukemia. According to Podmanik, her husband Ed had repeatedly informed SSA that he had returned to work, but the agency kept sending him benefits.
Pensioner is forced to return nearly $70,000 to US SSA: she's outraged
Years later, upon retiring and beginning to claim the benefits corresponding to her husband, Ruth was informed that she had to return the full amount. Amid fears of losing her home, she emphasizes that the error was SSA's and not hers or her husband's.
This case has caused outrage and has exposed SSA's practices regarding the recovery of overpayments. The agency has been criticized for the measures they take against beneficiaries who received improper payments, many of whom are not at fault and can't afford to return the money. Recently, SSA announced actions to address the problem of overpayments and the associated injustices.
This may not be enough for people like Ruth Podmanik
Among the measures adopted, the SSA has reduced the automatic overpayment recovery rate to 10% of the monthly benefit, instead of the 100% that was previously applied. In addition, the agency has made it easier to request recovery waivers for those who are not at fault or can't return the money.
However, these measures may not be enough for people like Ruth Podmanik, who are facing significant debts due to administrative errors. SSA has stated that they are working to ensure that their overpayment recovery policies are fair and equitable, and that they do not unduly harm beneficiaries.
The Ohio pensioner still trusts SSA will acknowledge their error
Ruth's case has drawn media attention and sparked a debate about SSA's responsibility in managing benefits. Many are questioning how it is possible that administrative errors can have such serious consequences for people who depend on these benefits to survive.
Meanwhile, Ruth Podmanik is waiting for a favorable resolution to her situation. She trusts SSA will acknowledge their error and allow her to keep her home and financial stability.
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